The Review/Bill Decker
Eight St. Mary students receive Charlie Roe Scholarships on Friday at the St. Mary Chamber Education Appreciation Steak Dinner and Auction. The recipients shown are Zoie Scully, Central Catholic High; Lexi Pellerin, Centerville High; Isabelle Freeman, Hanson Memorial; Chassity Pillaro, Morgan City High; Gracie Durapau, Patterson High; Emily Osbourne, V.B. Glencoe Charter; and Brianna Rideaux, West St. Mary High. Not pictured is recipient Isabella Ortiz of Berwick High. The recipients are shown with Chamber Vice Chairman Gregory Guarisco, Chamber President Beth Chiasson and Chamber Chairman Holden Murray.
Zoie Scully of Central Catholic receives the Donna Meyer Memorial Scholarship. She's shown with the St. Mary Chamber's Greg Guarisco, Beth Chiasson and Holden Murray.
David Martin of the Marine Corps League's St. Mary detachment presents scholarship funds to South Louisiana Community College at Friday's Chamber Education and Appreciation Dinner and Auction.
Keys to the future: Chamber honors students, teachers
PATTERSON – The St. Mary Chamber of Commerce on Friday offered scholarships to promising students and something else, too. The money came with an invitation to come home.
In a parish troubled by population loss, especially the loss of talented young people, the scholarship recipients received keys.
“It’s not just a token or a keepsake,” Chamber President Beth Chiasson said at Friday’s Education Appreciation Streak Dinner and Auction at the Patterson Area Civic Center. “It represents a standing invitation.
“It’s a reminder that no matter where you go or how far you travel, you always have a key to come home.”
The annual dinner raises money, and the auction of scores of donated merchandise, raises money for the Charlie Roe Scholarship Program.
The Chamber awarded eight Roe scholarships to graduating seniors:
•Isabella Ortiz, Berwick High
•Zoie Scully, Central Catholic High
•Lexi Pellerin, Centerville High
•Isabelle Freeman, Hanson Memorial
•Chassity Pillaro, Morgan City High
•Gracie Durapau, Patterson High
•Emily Osbourne, V.B. Glencoe Charter
•Brianna Rideaux, West St. Mary High
“Go forward boldly,” Chiasson told the Class of 2026. “Dream big. Do good. And wherever life takes you, never forget that you have a community here that is proud of you, cheering for you and hoping you’ll one day return the favor, however you can.”
Scully received an additional $1,000 Donna Meyer Memorial Scholarship, named for Chiasson’s late predecessor.
The scholarship goes a student “who has exemplified these values throughout their commitment to leadership, academic achievement and making a positive impact in their school and community,” Chiasson said.
Also honored Friday were three Educators of the Year:
•Stanley Williams, W.P. Foster Elementary, Elementary Teacher of the Year
•Emily Berry, Morgan City Junior High, Junior High Teacher of the Year
•Brooke Scott, Berwick High, High School Teacher of the Year
The St. Mary detachment of the Marine Corps also presented scholarship funds to South Louisiana Community College.